FOCUS Kleinzee. Dozens
FOCUS Kleinzee. Dozens of adventure and leisure options are available: Namaqua National Park, nature reserves, some of the most remote hiking and 4x4 trails imaginable. Go succulent sleuthing with a botanical guide, hike the Springbok Klipkoppie for a dose of Anglo-Boer War history, explore the countless shipwrecks along the coast line. Breathtaking scenes of the Atlantic Ocean with sightings of dolphins and whales combined with great vistas of mountains and veld with endemic wildlife makes travelling in this area remarkable. Don’t miss: Slow-packing through the Namaqua National Park in early Spring (September) when the usually dusty plains are transformed into a kaleidoscopic flower carpets of colour. Richtersveld Route The Richtersveld is South Africa’s only mountain desert and the route travels along rugged gravel roads to quaint towns such as Eksteensfontein, Sendelingsdrift, Lekkersing, Kuboes and Sandrift. The Orange River presents a more leisurely pace with riverrafting and the best wilderness fly-fishing in South Africa, while the entire Richtersveld is a mountain biker’s dream. Don’t miss: Learn about the lives of the nomads, be transported through dancing and storytelling. Quiver Tree Route Named after the indigenous quiver tree, the Quiver Tree Route stretches along the mighty Orange River. It features the quaint towns of Upington, Kakamas, Keimoes, Augrabies, Marchand, Kanoneiland, Kenhardt and Riemvasmaak. The route will appeal greatly to families, adventure and adrenaline seekers. Experience the hot springs at Riemvasmaak, river-rafting, fly-fishing, kayaking, river cruises, 4x4, hiking and MTB trails and excellent birdwatching. With the longest wine-producing area in the Southern Hemisphere there are many opportunities for world-class wine and brandy tasting along the route. Don’t miss: A visit to the Augrabies National Park and the world’s sixth-largest waterfall. Kalahari Red Dune Route Discover the essence of the province in the heart of the Kalahari. Golden dunes, wide-open skies and flat-topped acacia trees epitomise the Kalahari Red Dune Route. Enjoy dune hikes at dawn, eagle-owl encounters, sand-duning and surfing in the red sand and close encounters with meerkats. Explore the Khomani San Cultural Landscape and join a guided walk with the San Khomani to rediscover the ancient wisdom, customs and folklore of this ancient tribe. Don’t miss: In the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, magnificent oryx hold sway and you can discover the mighty Kalahari male lion. The largest conservation area within Africa, it is also one of only 10 Dark Skies sanctuaries in the world. Go Ghaap Route Explore famous archaeological sites, historic towns, amazing architecture and a selection of nature and game reserves. Visitors can trace the early geological history (from three-billion years ago) which created vast mineral wealth like iron, manganese, diamonds and limestone. Follow in the footsteps of the early explorers and missionaries such as David Livingstone, Henry NORTHERN CAPE BUSINESS 2022/23 34
FOCUS From white-water rafting to cross-country bicycle trails, the Northern Cape has it all for the adventurous tourist. Stanley and Richard Moffat. Relive the Anglo-Tswana and Anglo-Boer Wars, explore the Wonderwerk Caves between Kuruman and Danielskuil. Rediscover the Khoisan history in Wildebeest Kuil near Barkly West. Don’t miss: Kuruman Eye is a natural spring delivering about 20-million litres of clean, clear water daily. Karoo Oasis Route The route traverses the towns of Warrenton, Kimberley, Hopetown, Britstown and Victoria West along the N12. It is the perfect stopover for travellers between Johannesburg and Cape Town. Trace the rich mining history of the region before stopping at one of the myriad national game and nature reserves for game drives and world-class birding. Anglo-Boer War enthusiasts can relive the tribulations of war at the McGregor and Magersfontein Museums and at Hopetown. Beautiful arts and crafts are for sale throughout the route and there are opportunities to meet local artists. Don’t miss: Hanover has South Africa’s largest privately-owned Karoo nature reserve, the Karoo Gariep Nature Reserve. Olive Schreiner, the author of The Story of an African Farm, lived in Hanover and her house is a museum. Karoo Highlands Route Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Karoo with its wide-open plains. The area was named by the Khoi and San people, who left their legacy as art on the rocks. Explore many unique experiences such as dinosaur hunting in Richmond, the SKA radio telescopes in Carnarvon, Karoo architecture and corbelled houses, Anglo-Boer War sites, rock art, ancient Palaeo Surfaces, farm stays and great Karoo cuisine and hospitality. This route includes features several charming small towns – the heart of the Great Karoo. Nieuwoudtsville is your last stop before crossing the majestic Van Rhyns Pass en route to Cape Town. Don’t miss: Sutherland is famous for snowy winters, excellent stargazing and dramatic landscapes. It is home to the South African Large Telescope, the largest single optical telescope in the Southern Hemisphere. ■ Contact details Email: marketing@experiencenortherncape.com Website: www.experiencenortherncape.com 35 NORTHERN CAPE BUSINESS 2022/23
